If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet irresistibly delicious side dish, look no further than this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. It combines the fresh, crisp flavor of zucchini with the rich warmth of garlic butter, creating a perfect harmony that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. This recipe is fantastic for grilling season or anytime you want a vibrant veggie dish packed with flavor and just a little bit of char for that ultimate savory bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing a vital role to elevate the dish. The zucchini provides a tender but firm canvas, while the garlic butter infuses it with intense aroma and richness. Salt and pepper highlight each bite, and the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous brightness that finishes everything perfectly.
- Zucchini: Use 3 to 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds or half-moons to hold up well on the skewers without getting mushy.
- Unsalted butter: ¼ cup for that creamy, indulgent coating; melting this with garlic is where the magic happens.
- Garlic cloves: Three cloves, minced finely to infuse the butter with a fragrant punch that complements the zucchini beautifully.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon adds a smooth finish to the butter and helps with grilling without sticking.
- Salt: A teaspoon to season the zucchini perfectly, balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon freshly ground for a subtle kick.
- Fresh parsley: A tablespoon chopped, sprinkled at the end to brighten and freshen the dish.
- Optional extras: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for those who want a bit of heat or tang.
How to Make Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Zucchini and Skewers
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. While they soak, wash your zucchinis and cut them into thick rounds or half-moons, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking and easy threading.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma filling the kitchen. Stir in the olive oil and then remove the pan from the heat—that’s your flavorful basting sauce ready to go.
Step 3: Thread Zucchini onto Skewers
Take your sliced zucchini and thread them onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and to soak up that garlic butter goodness on all sides.
Step 4: Season and Brush with Garlic Butter
Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. Then, brush the slices generously with your garlic butter mixture, ensuring every inch is coated with that savory flavor.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven broiler. Cook the zucchini skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once to get a light char and tender texture. While grilling, keep brushing the skewers with any leftover garlic butter to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the zucchini skewers to a serving platter. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top, and if you like, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a quick squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zest. Then, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a beautiful and simple garnish that adds a splash of green and herbal freshness to these skewers. If you want to tease your taste buds a little more, a dash of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten everything up with just the right amount of tang.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully alongside grilled meats, like chicken or steak, or with a hearty quinoa salad for a vegetarian-friendly meal. They also complement rice dishes or fluffy couscous, bringing a vibrant veggie component to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these zucchini skewers tucked into warm pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and handheld meal. Or, place them atop a bed of arugula with shaved parmesan and a balsamic glaze drizzle for a light, elegant appetizer everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover zucchini skewers, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days. The flavors stay vibrant, and they reheat quickly without losing their texture.
Freezing
While freezing cooked zucchini skewers isn’t ideal because it can affect texture, you can prepare and freeze the seasoned zucchini slices before grilling. Just arrange the slices on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Grill directly from frozen when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that pleasant grilled flavor and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even chunks of onion for more variety. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for firmer or softer veggies.
What if I don’t have a grill or broiler available?
Not to worry! You can cook these zucchini skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) on a baking sheet, turning halfway through.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Yes! Zucchini is low in carbs, and the garlic butter uses healthy fats, making this a fantastic keto-friendly side dish that is easy and flavorful.
Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?
Definitely. You can make the garlic butter sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before brushing it on the zucchini skewers.
How spicy is the optional red pepper flakes addition?
The red pepper flakes add just a little kick of heat, which you can easily adjust to your taste or omit if you prefer a milder flavor. It’s a great way to add a bit of complexity without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe enough if you’re looking for a vibrant, quick, and utterly delicious vegetable side that will wow your family and friends. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to make, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever cooked zucchini any other way!
Print
Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These savory and easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a delightful side dish perfect for grilling season. Tender zucchini rounds are brushed with a fragrant garlic butter mixture, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled to perfection with a slight char. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium zucchini, cut into thick rounds or half-moons
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers and Zucchini: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, wash and cut the zucchini into thick rounds or half-moons, suitable for threading onto skewers.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Stir in the olive oil and immediately remove the saucepan from heat to preserve the buttery garlic aroma.
- Thread Zucchini onto Skewers: Carefully thread the zucchini pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season and Brush with Garlic Butter: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the zucchini pieces on the skewers. Generously brush all sides of the zucchini with the prepared garlic butter mixture to infuse flavor and help with caramelization during cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the zucchini is tender and lightly charred. During grilling, brush the skewers with any remaining garlic butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked zucchini skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and a touch of heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Thicker zucchini cuts help maintain shape and texture during grilling.
- You can use a grill pan or oven broiler if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Adding lemon juice or red pepper flakes at the end brightens the flavor and adds a mild kick.
- These skewers pair well with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main dish with couscous or quinoa.
